The Invest in ME Reads program provides these resources to help you support your student or child on a path toward lifelong financial wellness.
Featured Book:
The Know-Nonsense Guide to Money: An Awesomely Fun Guide to the World of Finance!
In January, all Maine third graders attending public school receive The Know-Nonsense Guide to Money: An Awesomely Fun Guide to the World of Finance! This fun book explains the basics of saving, spending, and money lessons in a way that kids will understand.
Use this reading guide to make the most of the lessons from this book.
Games and Activities
Explore simple games that help kids practice money skills and start thinking about future goals.
Financial Skills
- BizKid$ – Fun games to help you learn about money
- MyCreditUnion.gov – Test your financial knowledge with these fun games
- Thinking Money for Kids – Activities and games on various financial topics
- Board games to play a hands-on activity with children:
- The Game of Life
- Pay Day
- FAME Learning: Printable Education and Career Exploration worksheets for kids
Education and Career Exploration
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Exploration – Learn about education and skills needed for various careers
- Cash and Max Activity Books – Learn about education and future careers
- MAGtown – Learn about future careers
- MyPlan – Create a plan to “do, save, learn”
- NCES Kids’ Zone – Learn about education and skills needed for various careers
- FAME Learning: Printable Education and Career Exploration worksheets for kids
Tips and Tools for Families and Teachers
Find simple, practical resources to help kids build money skills.
Financial Skills
- Bring your child to the grocery store and ask them to help you compare prices. Be sure to talk with them about store brand vs. name brand and unit pricing.
- Help your child plan and set aside their allowance or gift money for spending, saving, and giving. A general rule is that 1/3 of the total amount could be set aside for each category.
Education and Career Exploration
- If you or another family member attended college or training, share that experience with your child, including the college or training program attended.
- Encourage your child to interview a family member about their chosen career. Talk with them about what they learned.
Resources for Enhanced Learning
- Subscribe to Paper Robots: Helping Families Talk About Money and Work
- Listen to the Raising Maine podcast Money Mindset: Expert advice on how to raise financially savvy kids
- FAME Financial Literacy Activity Workbook
Saving For College
Invest in your child’s future. Learn more about opening a NextGen 529 account.
$500 Alfond Grant for Maine Children
Learn how to use your $500 grant toward future higher education expenses.
